Monthly Archives: October 2013

Itacaré, Bahia / Brazil (Saturday, Oct, 19, 2013)The final day of the ASP 4-Star Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol was held under sunny skies and in front of a packed audience on the sand and surrounding point break at Praia da Tiririca in Itacaré. Halley Batista (BRA), 27, pulled off an impressive aerial performance to defeat Alan Jhones (BRA), 24, in an exciting final battle. For his victory, Batista took home U$15,000 and 1,000 ASP World Ranking points.

“I feel blessed to have won another Mahalo event,” stated Halley Batista. “The quality waves here at Tiririca have shown that they can’t be left off the circuit. The vibe here is great, the crowd is amazing and I feel so thankful to have won this event. Now I’m off to Venezuela for the next event of the Latin American Circuit.”

For his runner-up finish in Itacare, Alan Jhones earned U$7,500 and 750 ASP World Ranking points. With several dramatic victories throughout the week, Jhones was pleased with his result.

“Even though I didn’t win, I think I did really well here,” said Alan Jhones. “I had some come from behind victories and a few high scores, but the wave conditions deteriorated in the Final and I couldn’t pick the right wave. I knew that whoever threw a big move would win the heat, and Halley did great.”

Krystian Kymerson (BRA) had been the standout performer all week long by consistently landing big airs, but was eventually defeated by Batista in the Semifinals.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t find the right waves in the semis and I fell on all the airs that would have made a difference,” said Krystian Kymerson. “I’m still pleased with a 3rd place result and I’d like to thank everyone that filled the beach and cheered me on.”

Due to his fluid style, former South American champion Jean da Silva (BRA) was unstoppable leading up to the final day of competition before falling to Jhones. With their equal 3rd place results, both Kymerson and da Silva earned U$4,500 and 563 points.

“Conditions kept getting worse because of the onshore wind, the waves got a little choppy and I just couldn’t execute against Alan (Jhones),” stated Jean da Silva. “Next stop for me is the ASP Prime at Cascais in Portugal and I feel confident after doing so well against so many good competitors here.”

The Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol is produced by Dende Produções and sponsored by Mahalo, Petrobras, Bahiatursa and the City of Itacaré and is supported by Backdoor, the Tourism Institute of Itacaré, the Bahia Surf Federation and the Itacaré Surf Association. The event is approved by the ASP South America as a 4-Star event. More information: www.surfecofestival.com.br

Itacaré, Bahia / Brazil (Friday, Oct, 18, 2013)
Competition continued for the fourth consecutive day at the ASP 4-Star Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol at Praia da Tiririca in Itacaré, Brazil. Fair conditions with moderate winds and waves in the 2-3 foot range (1 meter) were maintained throughout the day. The initial 128 athletes that started the competition have dwindled down to the remaining 8 Quarterfinalists that will battle for essential ASP World Ranking points and a portion of the U$95,000 in prize money.

Krystian Kymerson (BRA) continued his outstanding week-long performance by boosting a full rotation aerial to earn the day’s highest single-wave score of an 8.33 (out of a possible 10 points) from the judges. Kymerson, who is defending his title at the Mahalo Surf Eco Festival, is focused on repeating his victory once again.

“It feels great to have found that good righthander and land that air at the beginning of the heat,” said Krystian Kymerson. “Now I’m relaxed and I’m going to give it my all tomorrow (Saturday) and will try to win the event again.”

Halley Batista (BRA) and Victor Bernardo (BRA) also advanced into the Quarterfinals by defeating Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and local favorite Bino Lopes (BRA) in Heat 3 of the Round of 16.

“That was such a tough heat,” said Halley Batista. “Everyone has been surfing so well all week, but I was able to throw that big layback snap that made the difference in my heat. Tomorrow the heats will be in a man-on-man format and I hope to reach my goal and make it to the final.”

Showing a fluid style and committed turns, Jean da Silva (BRA) has been obtaining 8-plus scores all week long and had guaranteed his spot in the last day of competition.

“I’ve just been trying to do my job out in the water, searching for the right waves and concentrating on my heats,” said Jean da Silva. “Although conditions are difficult, I was able to find that good left and get the scores to win my heat. I’m stoked to make it this far in the event and will try to use my experience in the two-man heats tomorrow. Everyone remaining has been surfing so good, so I think whoever finds the best waves is going to come out on top.”

Local surfer Alandreson Martins (BRA) had the crowd on their feet beach as he took down ex-WCT surfer Heitor Alves (BRA) in his first heat of the day and continued his torrid pace as he advanced into the final day of competition alongside Artur Silva (BRA) by defeating Ian Gouveia (BRA) and Dylan Lightfoot (ZAF) in Heat 2 of the Round of 16.

“I’m so happy and so thankful for being in this position,” exclaimed Alandreson Martins. “The waves were tough to find today (Friday), but I was lucky enough to win my heat and make it to the man-on-man part of the event, which is a format that I enjoy. I’m hoping for the best, but of course I’d love to win this event here at home and at the beach where I learned how to surf.”

A call is set for 10 am (local time) on Saturday for the final day of competition. Jean da Silva will be faced up against Artur Silva in Heat 1 of the Quarterfinals.

The Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol is produced by Dendê Produções and sponsored by Mahalo, Petrobras, Bahiatursa and the City of Itacaré and is supported by Backdoor, the Tourism Institute of Itacaré, the Bahia Surf Federation and the Itacaré Surf Association. The event is approved by the ASP South America as a 4-Star event and is transmitted live on the internet: www.surfecofestival.com.br